Three years ago, the deadliest accidental structure failure, and deadliest garment factory incident, in human history occurred in Dhaka, Bangladesh. The collapse of the Rana Plaza garment factory caused a death toll north of 1,100 people, with an additional 2,500 more left injured. This disaster garnered lasting, global attention, though it was only unique in that it's numbers were much higher than those of similar tragedies throughout the history of the garment industry - tragedies which have happened in the US (the Triangle Shirtwaist Fire of 1911) and which continue to happen around the world.

The Rana Plaza factory collapse sparked a modern movement, a Fashion Revolution. This event, occurring alongside my learning about plastic waste in our oceans, woke me up to the horrors of the fashion industry and ignited in me a fiery passion to take responsibility for my actions, for my purchases. Others around the world were also moved to make a difference, including Orsola De La Castro and Cary Somers of the UK. These two women officially founded Fashion Revolution Day (which has now morphed into an entire week) and took it upon themselves to learn and teach others about the true cost of the modern fashion industry.

In the past three years, this movement has gained widespread support and momentum, with designers, consumers, journalists and filmmakers waking up to the problems that face the fashion industry. Now, with our Fashion Revolution, we seek to get more and more people involved, to ignite the entire fashion value chain and bring people together so that we can make a difference in our world and in the lives of the people who make our clothing.

I won't explain to you why this is so important, if you are here on this website, you already have an inkling of the why's behind the Fashion Revolution movement. Instead of explaining, I'm asking you to join me in speaking up for change. Join me all year by asking questions, reading labels, and making careful decisions about where you spend your money. Join me next week (04/18 - 04/24) in turning your clothing inside out, taking to social media and asking brands #whomademyclothes?

It's time to use your voice and your power to transform the fashion industry into a force for good. See below to find out how you can get involved!

[Learn More] See what the Ethical Writers are doing for Fashion Revolution Week: